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Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert Online Home | Plant Index | Glossary | Advanced Search | Trees | Shrubs | Groundcovers | Vines | Grasses | Cacti | Succulents | Perennials | Annuals

LOW-WATER GROUNDCOVERS
Groundcovers can enliven an area by carpeting bare soil or large expanses of granite with color and texture. From a design sense, they help unify and blend separate elements of the landscape. Regarded as problem solvers, groundcovers' many uses include stabilizing soil, minimizing dust, shading and cooling bare surfaces, and creating visual interest. They also soften hardscape features, such as low walls, walkways, and patio areas. Groundcovers grow from a few inches to a few feet high, and some can spread several feet wide. Select them with mature size, especially spread, in mind. Avoid planting them too close to walkways or other plants to prevent the need for frequent trimming or pruning.

Click the photo or [more info] link to get detailed information about each plant.

Common Name: Trailing Acacia
Botanical Name: Acacia redolens

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full or reflected sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 1' H X 10' W
Form: spreading
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: gray-green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Small yellow
Flower Season: early spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Australia
Other Features: Good for banks and erosion control.
Look for the prostrate form; upright forms can reach 4-5 feet high or more.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Trailing Desert Broom
Botanical Name: Baccharis hybrid

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F
Sun: full sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W
Form: spreading
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: bright green
Foliage Texture: fine
Flower Color: White (nonshowy)
Flower Season: fall
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Tolerates tough conditions.
Look for selections that are nonseeding with uniform growth habit.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Red Spike Ice Plant
Botanical Name: Cephalophyllum 'Red Spike'

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F
Sun: full sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: slow
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 1/2' W
Form: clumping
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: medium green
Foliage Texture: coarse
Flower Color: Brilliant red-cerise
Flower Season: winter to early spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Winter color. Good for small spaces.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Damianita
Botanical Name: Chrysactinia mexicana

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F
Sun: full or reflected sun
Water: very low
Growth Rate: slow
Mature Size: 2' H X 2' W
Form: mounding
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Flower Color: Golden yellow, daisylike
Flower Season: spring and fall
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico, Texas, western Texas
Other Features: Fragrant foliage. Good for courtyards.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Bush Morning Glory
Botanical Name: Convolvulus cneorum

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full or reflected sun
Water: very low
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 2' H X 3' W
Form: mounding
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: silvery-gray
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Showy white
Flower Season: spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: southern Europe
Other Features: Requires well-drained soil. Attracts pollinators.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Trailing Dalea
Botanical Name: Dalea greggii

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full or reflected sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 2' H X 6' W
Form: spreading
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: silvery-green
Foliage Texture: fine
Flower Color: Lavender-purple clusters
Flower Season: spring to summer
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert
Other Features: Tolerates tough conditions.
Also try D. capitata.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Blue Euphorbia
Botanical Name: Euphorbia rigida

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun
Water: very low
Growth Rate: slow-moderate
Mature Size: 2' H X 3' W
Form: mounding
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: blue-green
Foliage Texture: coarse
Flower Color: Chartreuse
Flower Season: midwinter to spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: yes, may irritate skin
Native to: Mediterranean
Other Features: Striking foliage and flowers.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Trailing Gazania
Botanical Name: Gazania rigens

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: <1' H X 1 1/2' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: silver to green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Orangey, bronze, yellow, daisylike
Flower Season: late winter to spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Africa, South Africa
Other Features: Brilliant flower colors. May die out in summer if overwatered.
Look for selections that offer a variety of flower and foliage colors.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana hybrid

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 28°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 2' H X 3' W
Form: mound, trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: medium green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, gold
Flower Season: year-round in frost free weather
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: yes, may irritate skin
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Vibrant summer color. Attracts butterflies.
Look for selections that offer a variety of flower colors.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Trailing Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana montevidensis

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 1' H X 4' W
Form: mound, trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: medium green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Lavender to white
Flower Season: year-round in frost free weather
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: yes, may irritate skin
Wildlife: butterfly
Native to: South America
Other Features: Attracts butterflies.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Gray Ice Plant
Botanical Name: Malephora crocea

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F
Sun: full sun
Water: very low
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 1/2' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: gray-green
Foliage Texture: coarse
Flower Color: Orange to red with yellow center
Flower Season: spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: South Africa
Other Features: Well adapted to grow in containers.
Also try M. lutea and Carpobrotus edulis.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Myoporum
Botanical Name: Myoporum parvifolium

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F
Sun: full sun, partial sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: <1' H X 6' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: bright green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Small white
Flower Season: spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Australia
Other Features: Good cover on slopes. May die if overwatered.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Tufted Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera caespitosa

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F
Sun: full sun, partial sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 1' H X 2' W
Form: clumping
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: gray-green
Foliage Texture: coarse
Flower Color: Large showy white flowers fade to pink
Flower Season: spring to fall
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico, western U.S.
Other Features: Fragrant flowers open from dusk to early morning.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Saltillo Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera stubbei

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun, partial sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 4' W
Form: clumping
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Butter yellow
Flower Season: spring to fall
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: northeast Mexico
Other Features: Showy, sweet-scented flowers open from dusk to early morning.
Also consider O. berlandieri, although it can be invasive.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Trailing Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun
Water: low
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 2' H X 4' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Flower Color: Blue
Flower Season: winter to spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Upright forms are available. Fragrant foliage.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Katie Ruellia
Botanical Name: Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie'

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 28°F
Sun: full sun, partial sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 1' H X 2' W
Form: mounding
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: purple
Flower Season: spring to fall
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Wildlife: butterflies
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Refined groundcover for small areas.
Look for selections that offer pink or white flowers.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Creeping Germander
Botanical Name: Teucrium chamaedrys 'Prostratum'

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: moderate
Mature Size: 1/2' H X 3' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: medium green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Pale pink
Flower Season: winter to spring
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Horticultural Selection
Other Features: Fragrant foliage. Requires well-drained soil.
[More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Yellow Dot
Botanical Name: Wedelia trilobata

[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 30°F
Sun: full sun, partial sun, shade
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Size: 1-1/2' H X 6' W
Form: trailing
E/D: evergreen
Foliage Color: medium green
Foliage Texture: medium
Flower Color: Yellow daisylike
Flower Season: spring to summer
Litter: low
Thorns: none
Allergenic: yes, may irritate skin
Native to: Central and South America, South America
Other Features: Good in containers. Can be invasive if not controlled.
[More information about this plant.]



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ARIZONA MUNICIPAL WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
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The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) is a voluntary, non-profit corporation established by municipalities in Maricopa County for the development of urban water resources policy.